It happens in a flash! One day your child is sitting in a highchair. You enjoy majority rule over most of what goes into that precious little body. Then, in a blink, they have armpit hair and only want food that comes in bags and has the word "Flaming'" in it. As moms, we pour our heart and soul into caring for our children, making every effort to nourish and care for them well. So, what are we to do when they grow and begin making choices for themselves and their well-being? Through trial and error, and much prayer I've learned a few successful tips to help your teen embrace healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

Give them choices!

Since the kids were babies this parenting strategy has been at the core of helping them learn to make decisions and reduce power struggles. When they were small the choices were things like, "Do you want to wear the blue shoes or the white shoes." Simple, structured decisions within appropriate parameters allow them to learn decision-making skills. Now, with older children, we still employ the same strategy, only with broader boundaries. When it comes to making healthy choices for their bodies, choices include things like, what fruits and veggies they want (not IF they want them). Asking for opinions when I'm shopping (example, "Would you prefer x or y in your lunches?). Even proper hygiene choices, like, do you want to shower this morning or tonight (again, not IF, when). This has eliminated countless struggles and I can see them learning to consider their choices more and more.

Use relevant examples!

I find this tip to be one of the most effective, particularly with my son who is a bit older. He loves basketball through and through. His every thought is processed through a basketball-shaped filter. When I use basketball to help him understand the consequences of his choices, they reach him much more effectively than if I just said, don't eat that, or that's junk. For example, he was getting into a bad habit of only eating chips for lunch at school. Instead of lecturing him about it, I gathered my sensible self up and explained how his body needs consistent fuel to grow muscle and assist him in gaining strength and stature (Bullseye! He's all about the "gains" so that got his attention).

Allow for a little junk!

This one is strictly opinion and experienced-based. It may or may not be the right choice for your family. Hard as it is though, I've learned that allowing a little more of the "junk" has its place. For years, I successfully substituted foods I didn't want my family eating with more nutritious alternatives. Eventually, as though a cruel right of passage, teenagers develop an unquenchable draw to the worst of the food offenders. GMOs, and trans-fats, and Red40, oh my! Suddenly I was face to face with the creepiest ingredient lists I could imagine. I was also faced with a decision. Would I lift the ban and allow a little more in, or would I draw the hard line? For a while, I leaned toward the line. In time though, I learned that my best intentions were actually creating a reality that was opposite to what I most desired. I realized that I was setting up a scenario where sneaking, stashing, and overindulging were gaining momentum. I have found that when I make junk the bad guy, it becomes all that much more appealing. I still try to help them understand that while the less desirable food is an option they CAN choose, it doesn't mean they SHOULD. Food of every variety can have its place, my goal has been to help them WANT to make better choices more often than not. Yes, please pray for me (wink, wink).

Catch them doing good!

This tip takes a little practice too. I'm quick to correct or comment on their food choices when I find them less than desirable. I'm not as quick to encourage them when they make nourishing or healthy choices. I have found though that when I "catch them" doing good, they love to hear it. It's like a little deposit into their confidence. When they empty their lunchboxes after school, simply acknowledging that they ate their sandwich instead of just snacks with a comment like, "You ate your sandwich! I bet that helped you feel good." Deposit! Another example. My son was getting into the habit of rummaging around for treats in the late evening. I held my tongue and allowed him to have some autonomy. The other night though, he came into the room with an apple instead. Playing it cool, I simply said, "That looks like a good way to end your day." He has come in with apples every evening since then. Deposit with dividends! Little steps momma's, little steps.

Model for them!

This one is obvious I know, but it's worth repeating. We simply cannot underestimate the power our example has on our kids. They are ALWAYS watching. This is not a quest for perfection, but awareness. This is not a set up for shame or condemnation, but a call to the lofty privilege we've been granted to care for our precious gifts from God. There is simply no greater gift we can offer our kids than growing ourselves. We don't have to have it all figured out. We simply teach them as we learn ourselves and as we grow and improve, we leave an inheritance of wisdom and knowledge that creates generational change. We're doing our best fellow moms. God will give us everything we need to parent the little people He's entrusted to us. Peace and power to you.